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On To Light Shaping: Lighting From a New Angle with Chan Kit

On to Light Shaping is a new video series in which get to see 18 renowned portrait and wedding photographer create magic with Profoto Off-Camera Flash. In this video we join photographer Chan Kit for a shoot over the characteristic skyline in Tsim Sha Tsui Harbor, Hong Kong. When you are done watching, click here to see the rest of the series.

Despite being only 24 years old and mostly self-taught, Chan Kit has made quite a name for himself in the wedding and fashion communities in his hometown Hong-Kong. Operating under the brand CTKKIT Photography, Kit has a well-earned reputation for capturing candid moments in a beautiful light.

“The greatest thing about being a wedding photographer is that you get to capture some of the most valuable moments in peoples’ lives,” says Kit. “It’s both an honor and a challenge. There are no second chances.”

Kit uses available light when possible and adds flashes when necessary. In terms of Light Shaping Tools, he prefers tools that create a hard light with lots of contrast and distinct shadows.

“My favorites are the standard Zoom Reflector and the Umbrella Deep Silver M,” says Kit. “Both create a beautiful hard light, and both are compact and easy to bring with you to an on-location shoot.”

This particular on-location shoot was done at what might be the most iconic of all locations in Kit’s hometown – Tsim Sha Tsui Harbor in Southern Kowloon. The area is a well-known tourist hub. Even those who do not know it by name will most likely recognize its characteristic skyline.

“If you’re in tourist in Hong Kong, changes are good that you will come here to take pictures,” says Kit. “So my idea for this shoot was to use lighting to show this popular location in a new light.”

To do so, Kit brought not only his trusted Zoom Reflector and Umbrella Deep Silver M, but also his brand new B2 Location Kit, including a B2 battery pack, two B2 Heads, batteries, a Carrying Bag and some other neat stuff.

One head was equipped with the hard reflector, the other with the umbrella. Depending on what particular lighting challenge he faced, Kit switched between using the reflector, the umbrella, or both tools at once.

This versatile solution allowed Kit to light in ways that would not have been possible otherwise. The shot where the bride is lying on the stairs, for instance, was lit with a single B2 Head with the Umbrella Deep Silver M, handheld on a monopod by Kit’s assistant far out over the harbor’s deep waters. The light bouncing from the umbrella blended nicely with the sunlight, creating a distinct effect with a natural feel that fits Kit’s style perfectly.

“To me, the most beneficial thing about the B2 is precisely this,” says Kit. “It’s small and lightweight. It can be carried around and positioned pretty much anywhere you want. It’s easy. It is as simple as that.”